Mary Elizabeth (Donley) Thompson passed peacefully Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Circle of Life Hospice facility in Bentonville, Ark. She was born January 2, 1953, to Woodrow and Sally Donley in Enid, Okla.
Mary grew up in the Tahlequah, Okla., area where her parents owned a lake resort and marine/boat service. Mary was always a hard worker and began working the concessions and cooking at the resort at a young age.
In 1998, Mary started her life in Eureka Springs, Ark., and completed her degree in accounting at the University of Arkansas. She worked for a local tax firm before striking out on her own, starting Valentine Management Services that provided tax and payroll services to a growing clientele. Mary was loved and appreciated by her clients as she was always willing to help with their financial needs. Her clients and friends spoke highly of Mary’s qualities and said she was always kind, cheerful and dedicated and she was honest, had a great laugh, smart, patient and had a fun and caring spirit to her.
Mary was self-disciplined in her personal goals and spiritual studies, having studied under Audley Allison for many years. She dedicated her life to meditation, yoga and spiritual growth. Mary uplifted her friends by her example on how to live in love.
Mary had many passions besides serving her clients in her business. She loved massage (was a massage therapist), a devoted organic gardener, loved her pets and plants, music & dance, cooking, travel, reading, being in nature, studying herbs and natural healing, visiting with friends, and treasured having a comfortable and well-kept household.
She was a loving, devoted, and loyal partner to her husband, Randal Thompson, who misses their time traveling together, walking in the woods around their home, her laughter, playing with grandkids, gardening, cooking together, and supporting each other in life. He cherished her smile, laugh, positive disposition and generosity of her spirit among Mary’s wonderful traits.
Mary leaves behind her loving husband, Randal; two stepdaughters, Traci & Bryan Barnhill of Jessieville, Ark., and Elizabeth & Tom Sniff of Fayetteville, Ark.; four grandchildren, Kathryn, Sean, Emma, and Henry; three great-granddaughters, Hallie, Ila, and Osie; a sister, Claudia with her husband Ray Beights; and two nephews, Wes Beights, and Cory Beights with his wife, Cori.
Mary donated her body to Genesis Whole Body Donation Program in Memphis. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Circle of Life Hospice, the Schmieding Center for Senior Health & Education or Genesis Whole Body Donation Program.
Mary was a best friend since 1974. She was honest, generous, funny, full of love, smart, talented with many skills, hard working and helpful. She loved people and people loved her. I was fortunate to know and love her for so many years. See you on the other side my sweet friend. ☮❤
We miss you, Mary. So thankful for the wonderful memories♥️